Official or Offical
Which Spelling is Correct?
Understanding the difference between "Official" or "Offical": these commonly confused spellings and how to use them properly.
Incorrect: Offical
"Offical" is a misspelling. The correct spelling is "official" with two 'f's.
Correct: Official
"Official" is the correct spelling. It means authorized or formal.
Definition of Official
Official (adjective/noun): Relating to an authority or public body; authorized or formal; holding a position of authority; a person holding a position of authority; something that is formally recognized or approved; relating to government or public administration.
Examples:
- • The official announcement was made yesterday.
- • She is an official representative of the company.
- • The official language of the country is English.
- • Government officials attended the ceremony.
Synonyms for Official
Common Synonyms:
- • Authorized
- • Formal
- • Approved
- • Legitimate
- • Certified
Related Terms:
- • Endorsed
- • Sanctioned
- • Recognized
- • Valid
- • Bona fide
Usage Notes
Important Points:
- • Official is spelled with two 'f's, not one.
- • It's commonly used in formal and governmental contexts.
- • Can be used as both an adjective and a noun.
- • Often implies authority or formal recognition.
- • The word comes from the Latin "officium" meaning "service" or "duty."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is "offical" ever correct?
A: No, "offical" is never correct. The proper spelling is always "official" with two 'f's.
Q: How do I remember the correct spelling?
A: Think of "official" as having two 'f's - one for "formal" and one for "final." The word comes from Latin "officium" meaning "service" or "duty."
Q: What's the difference between official and formal?
A: "Official" specifically relates to authority or public bodies, while "formal" refers to proper etiquette or structure.
Q: Can official be used as a verb?
A: No, "official" is only used as an adjective or noun. The verb form would be "to officiate" or "to authorize."
Q: Is official always positive?
A: Usually yes, as it implies authority and legitimacy, but official actions can sometimes be controversial or unpopular.
Q: Why do people often misspell this word?
A: The misspelling "offical" likely occurs because people may forget the second 'f' or may not remember the correct spelling.
Q: What are some common phrases using "official"?
A: Common phrases include: official statement, official language, official record, official capacity, and official document.
Q: Can "official" be used in formal writing?
A: Yes, "official" is very appropriate in formal writing. It's a standard English word that can be used in academic, legal, and professional contexts.
Summary
Remember: Official is the correct spelling with two 'f's. It means authorized or formal. The misspelling "offical" with one 'f' is never correct. Use this word when referring to authorized, formal, or government-related matters.